The largest organ in the human body is our skin. Scientifically, skin is known as the integumentary system. We don’t generally pay a lot of attention to our skin, despite its size; but it is truly a phenomenal design. An average persons skin is about 1 to 2 square meters and weighs anywhere from 9 to 11 pounds. There are three layers of skin: the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. Massage therapy has its benefits for all three.
The outer layer of skin, which communicates directly with our environment, is the epidermis. The epidermis serves as a protective layer and aids in temperature regulation. Skin can be thick or thin, depending on where it is located. Human touch was proven to be of significant value during the war, when the mortality rate of infants receiving human touch was found to be much lower than that of infants deprived of human touch.
Going just beneath the surface we find the dermis, which is actually made up of two layers, the papillary and reticular layers. Immediately below the epidermis one finds a loosely woven mat of elastin and collagen fibers called the papillary layer. About 80% of skins thickness comes from the deep reticular layer, which is found directly beneath the papillary mat. The reticular layer is a dense layer of irregular connective tissue containing thick bundles of interlacing collagen fibers. Fibers run along many planes however most of the fibers are found running parallel to the skin’s surface. The dermis’ reticular layer is home to capillaries, nerve endings, touch receptors, glands, veins, arteries, and hair. Massage therapy, whether a special treat or a regular part of your life, is known to promote healthy gland activity, and aids the body in toxin removal.
Doctor Charles Drew Medical Blog 